The Missing Ingredient in Africa’s Economic Growth

Africa’s agricultural sector has been touted as a key driver of economic growth, yet smallholder farmers remain at the mercy of a broken value chain. This disconnect was highlighted by leading voices in the industry at the recent TIME Impact Dinner in Kigali, Rwanda.

Agricultural productivity has grown steadily over the last two decades, with farm output roughly doubling during this period. However, as Ismahane Elouafi, executive managing director of CGIAR, noted, this progress is largely piecemeal – farmers may have healthy soil but lack the water or irrigation systems to make use of it.

Treating symptoms rather than addressing underlying causes has become a hallmark of Africa’s agricultural development strategy. Many African countries view agriculture as a niche area, rather than a vital component of their economic and development agendas. This narrow focus overlooks the fact that 80% of Africa’s workforce is employed in agriculture, making it a sector with enormous potential for growth.

Agriculture contributes 20% to GDP and employs over 60% of the workforce, presenting a “huge opportunity” if Africa can skill its workforce in agri-food systems. Kingsley Moghalu, founder of the Institute for Governance and Economic Transformation (IGET) Academy, emphasized that this potential will remain elusive unless the needs of smallholder farmers are taken into account.

Strengthening the food system requires a fundamental shift in how we view these critical producers. Temiyeoluwa Alabi, head of corporate communications at ThriveAgric, stressed that smallholder farmers must be seen as more than just producers of raw materials – they are the backbone of Africa’s agricultural sector. “We try to emphasize the need to look at the smallholder farmer as an important entity within the value chain,” she said.

However, technological advances often prioritize efficiency and scalability over the needs of these small-scale producers. Elizabeth Wathuti, climate activist and founder of Green Generation Initiative, cautioned that technology should not be imposed on farmers without addressing their specific needs: “Technology and innovation is not supposed to make the farmers realign their lives to accommodate it. It’s supposed to actually look at how it’s addressing the realities on the ground.”

As Africa faces a future where climate change will increasingly disrupt food systems, success must be measured in ways that go beyond yield or productivity metrics. For farmers working in areas with degraded land, adapting to changing conditions is nearly impossible.

Africa’s policymakers and development experts must prioritize the entire value chain – from production to processing to distribution – if they hope to unlock the true potential of agriculture. Leveraging technology and big data could make a “very quick and very fast impact” on improving agricultural productivity, according to Elouafi.

However, this will require more than just investments in infrastructure or technological wizardry. It demands a fundamental shift in how we view smallholder farmers – as critical partners rather than mere producers of raw materials. Anything less risks perpetuating the status quo, where progress is made in piecemeal fashion but true prosperity remains elusive for these vital producers.

Ultimately, it’s not just about productivity or yield; it’s about creating a food system that works for everyone – farmers, consumers, and the planet alike. As Wathuti noted: “We have to also look at the profitability and the value that the farmer gets from being able to put in the work to produce our food.”